c.—s

1938. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACT, 1925 (REPORT ON THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly -pursuant to Section 109 of the Land for Settlements Act, 1925.

The Land Purchase Controller to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir, — Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist July, 1938. I have the honour to submit a report on land-purchase operations for the year ended 31st March, 1938. The only purchases of any consequence during the year were several small parcels of freehold land situate within the boundaries of the Molesworth and Tarndale Runs, Nelson and Marlborough Land Districts, of an aggregate area of 10,501 acres. The land was purchased consequent upon the surrender of the leasehold titles to the runs in order to give the State fuller control of the areas included within the run boundaries. In the Tiraumea Settlement, Wellington Land District, negotiations were completed for the exchange of certain areas for the purpose of adjustment of the boundaries of the settlement, these negotiations requiring the purchase of an area of 17 acres 0 roods 29 perches. On the Galatea Block development operations continue to be satisfactory. During the year three further sections were taken up on permanent lease and two share-farmers converted to renewable lease, making a total of nineteen permanent settlers, who are making very satisfactory progress. The greater part of the estate continues to be worked as a sheep and cattle station, and the Department's operations have resulted in a very satisfactory working-year, despite the substantial drop in wool prices. Share-milking was continued on seven farms, the result being very encouraging. Ihe share-milkers are managing 628 dairy cattle, 18 horses, and 238 pigs. The stock carried as at the 31st March, 1938, exclusive of that managed by the share-milkers, comprised 15,957 sheep, 227 dairy cattle, 5,734 run cattle, and 4 horses. Development-work on the Kakariki Block has been steadily proceeding, with further areas being gradually brought into fuller production. The stock comprises 14,779 sheep, 993 cattle, 38 horses, 1,476 goats, and 46 pigs. Improved results are shown each year and net returns for the year have been eminently satisfactory. The Department's experiments on the areas in the Tapuwae Estate reputed to be bush sick have been completed with very satisfactory results, the young stock and the standard flock being in a very healthy condition. The results of the year's farming operations being carried out on this estate of 3,350 acres are very encouraging. The stock at the 31st March consisted of 6,800 sheep, 982 cattle, and 9 horses. Tables are attached giving particulars of the properties considered and land acquired during the year, together with statement of receipts and payments, revenue account, and balance-sheet. I have, &c., W. Robertson, Land Purchase Controller. The Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister of Lands.